Dashcam Power Options

[RetiredCop2160]

Has anyone tried to install a 12 volt "power port" on or near the overhead console on a Gen5 Ranger? I'm looking to power a dashcam without having to run a power wire through the headliner and down the A-piller to the fuse box.

I don't like using the cigarette lighter plug as it really clutters up the dash/center console area.

Thanks for any ideas y'all might have.

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[airline tech]

There is a better option- and they make a T-Harness that taps off the Power Mirror and or Rain Sensor- they are noted in the dash cam threads - simple and clean

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

While it still requires the long cable run, another option not mentioned is the ODB2 port USB adapters.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

There is a better option- and they make a T-Harness that taps off the Power Mirror and or Rain Sensor- they are noted in the dash cam threads - simple and clean

Dongar is the brand. I bought direct but you can buy from Amazon too. Mine has functioned flawlessly for over a year now.

 

[dozxab]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3KNM8R...6&amp=&crid=2H8TRLSYWKDTE&amp=&sprefix=dongar

Easy install and works great. Unlike using a 12v power port, it does turn off with the key immediately. Oh, and don't block the sensor like I did.

 

[RetiredCop2160]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3KNM8R...6&amp=&crid=2H8TRLSYWKDTE&amp=&sprefix=dongar

Easy install and works great. Unlike using a 12v power port, it does turn off with the key immediately. Oh, and don't block the sensor like I did.

Forgive my ignorance, but replying to all you guys in reference to the Dongar dongle; would my 2020 XLT even have the power mirror/rain sensor setup?

As I have said, this is my fifth Ranger, but the last new Ranger was a bright red 2000 XLT 4X4 that we leased in late 1999. Since that was over 25 years ago, dash cams weren't even a thing back then. Hell, cell phones were either the flip-style Motorolas or the trendy Nokia 3300 series.

 

[airline tech]

Does your mirror - have Auto-Dim (It will have a small dark circle) embedded into the mirror and it will not have the old school lever at the bottom (where it flips the mirror) upwards (blinding lights) position - this is the auto dim power feed and power is shared with the (Power Fold) button on the mirror adjustment buttons - depending on trim that switch pack has a (fold button) above the adjust buttons

 

[airline tech]

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

In addition to what airline tech has said, if your mirror has auto dimming, it will be quite thick like the picture @dozxab posted above. If it is manual like mine, it will be quite slim.

 

[dozxab]

Forgive my ignorance, but replying to all you guys in reference to the Dongar dongle; would my 2020 XLT even have the power mirror/rain sensor setup?

As I have said, this is my fifth Ranger, but the last new Ranger was a bright red 2000 XLT 4X4 that we leased in late 1999. Since that was over 25 years ago, dash cams weren't even a thing back then. Hell, cell phones were either the flip-style Motorolas or the trendy Nokia 3300 series.

If your mirror has r

Forgive my ignorance, but replying to all you guys in reference to the Dongar dongle; would my 2020 XLT even have the power mirror/rain sensor setup?

As I have said, this is my fifth Ranger, but the last new Ranger was a bright red 2000 XLT 4X4 that we leased in late 1999. Since that was over 25 years ago, dash cams weren't even a thing back then. Hell, cell phones were either the flip-style Motorolas or the trendy Nokia 3300 series.

As with you, I am relearning after a long period of doing little more than oil changes. I had an 88 Ranger with a 347 CID V-8 and a 2011 (?). I will defer you to the answers by @airline tech . As usual, they are spot on. I have the auto-dimming sensor, top center of the mirror and the auto-high beam (I think) on the back (from drivers view) of the mirror. Note the lack of a manual dimmer lever at the bottom of the mirror.

 

[TruckBox]

I went the mirror route and got this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1MXG4TX

For added fun, the pin out was wrong...so the pins had to be pushed out and flip flopped.

Instead of using both USB power things, i used a Y cable... i also broke the case and heat-shrinked them so they take up less space. One powers a radar detector and dash cam.

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